STB ACCEPTS REVISED UP-NS MEGA-MERGER APPLICATION, MOVES TO 12-MONTH REVIEW
Regulators accepted Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s amended filing, triggering a merits review while seeking more details by July 27. The railroads say the transcontinental deal could pull roughly 2 million truckloads off U.S. highways.
STB TEMPORARILY PAUSES UP-NS MERGER REVIEW, SEEKS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Following acceptance of the revised application, the Surface Transportation Board put proceedings on hold while it requests more data from the railroads. The pause adds fresh uncertainty to the $85 billion deal’s timeline.
REALCOLD MOVES INTO PHARMA WITH ACQUISITION OF SCL COLD CHAIN
Lakeland, Florida-based RealCold bought Dallas CEIV-certified SCL Cold Chain, expanding into chain-of-custody services for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The deal broadens RealCold’s temperature-controlled logistics beyond food customers.
U.S. CAPS TAIWAN SECTION 232 TARIFFS AT 15% FOR AUTO PARTS, WOOD, AIRCRAFT PARTS
A finalized trade accord limits tariff rates on specified Taiwan imports, potentially easing costs on inputs critical to fleet maintenance and equipment manufacturing. The move follows a January framework between the nations.
VOLTERA, REVEL MERGE TO BUILD MULTI‑CITY FLEET EV CHARGING NETWORK
Backed by EQT and BlackRock, the combined company targets more than 1,000 charging stalls across 11 metros to support commercial fleets and autonomous vehicles. The merged entity will operate under the Voltera brand.
PHILLIPS CONNECT, KENWORTH, DHL ANNOUNCE FLEET AND LOGISTICS LEADERSHIP MOVES
Leadership updates span smart trailer technology, OEM operations, and parcel logistics. The changes reflect ongoing investment in connected equipment and growth initiatives across the sector.
KENWORTH ROLLS OUT DIGITALVISION MIRRORS ON T680/T880/W990 TO BOOST VISIBILITY
New digital mirror and SmartWheel controls aim to improve maneuverability and driver usability on vocational and on‑highway models. The update underscores OEM efforts to elevate safety tech in Class 8 trucks.
GREAT DANE THERMOGUARD HIGHLIGHTED FOR INSULATION GAINS, LOWER REEFER FUEL USE
ThermoGuard liner technology aims to preserve trailer insulation performance over time, helping fleets cut fuel burn and maintain cold chain integrity. The focus is on lifecycle efficiency for refrigerated operations.
APRIL CLASS 8 SALES SLIP 11.8% YEAR OVER YEAR TO 15,941 UNITS
Omdia data show April sales down versus 2025, though up from March. Analysts expect demand to improve later this year as new 2027 models approach and market conditions tighten.
NATSO, SIGMA PRESS TREASURY TO FINALIZE CLEAN FUEL PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT RULE
Fuel marketers say Section 45Z clarity and transaction transparency would speed biofuel adoption and help ease diesel prices. The groups urged swift action to aid consumers and the trucking economy.
OIL PRICES DIP ON CEASEFIRE OPTIMISM; WTI AT $87.87, BRENT AT $91.44 FRIDAY
Crude eased as talks to extend the Iran ceasefire progressed, with markets eyeing a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Any relief in fuel costs would flow quickly into trucking’s surcharge math.
CVSA SHARES BRAKE SAFETY WEEK TIPS; DRUMS AND ROTORS ARE 2026 FOCUS (AUG. 23–29)
Inspectors urged drivers to prioritize drum and rotor checks ahead of the August enforcement blitz. Routine pre‑ and post‑trip inspections can prevent violations and out‑of‑service orders.
POLICE STOP SEMI TRAILER MISSING 10 WHEELS; COMPANY AND DRIVER CHARGED
Ottawa Police said the trailer had just two of 12 wheels and no operational brakes en route to a scrap yard. The incident underscores ongoing equipment‑condition enforcement risks for fleets and drivers.
PRESSURES BUILD IN OCEAN AND INTERMODAL, RAISING U.S. TRUCKING SPILLOVER RISKS
Loadstar reports show early “peak” pressures and tighter liner networks, with forwarders warning of higher spot rates and potential rail‑ramp congestion. Escalating intermodal volumes can lift truckload tender rejections and pricing.
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